Green synthesis of copper-reinforced cellulose nanocomposites for packaging applications

Abstract

In the present work, cellulose nanocomposites dispersed with copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were prepared using CuSO4·5H2O as the source and Cassia alata leaf extract as the reducing agent. These nanocomposites were prepared by regeneration method using ethanol as the coagulant. The morphology of generated CuNPs was viewed by SEM and TEM. The cellulose/CuNPs composite films showed good antibacterial activity against E-coil. The interaction between cellulose matrix and CuNPs was examined by FTIR and XRD. The changes in the thermal and tensile properties were examined with TGA and tensile tests. All these studies revealed that cellulose/CuNPs composites have enhanced thermal stability, tensile strength by the addition of CuNPs. These biodegradable cellulose/CuNPs composites films can be used for packaging and biomedical applications.